Day 7 - Le Pontet to Refuge DCDLACDBH - TMB Crowds

We had another day in common with the TMB so there were lots of others hikers. The weather was lovely, with a blue sky and frost on the ground. It was also a mostly climbing day and on the open hillside it seemed there were hikers everywhere. We took it easy and enjoyed the views as we climbed and had lunch at the Col du Bonhomme. From there the path climbed over some rough ground to our hut. The rough ground caused a little bit of a traffic jam.

Looking back at the Col du Bonhomme

Our hut's name was a bit of a mouthful - the Refuge du Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. When we arrived it was absolutely packed. We got settled into our four person room and then drank some beer and were glad to see the hut starting to empty. It seems that the majority of TMB hikers continue for another couple of hours, but they stop for refreshments at our hut. Even after those hikers headed on, the hut was still plenty busy but the staff were pretty efficient. After our meal we saw a couple of bouquetin (ibex, a wild goat) on the ridge to the west, silhouetted against the setting sun. 

Tomorrow we will split up from the TMB and we're all looking forward to it. I really shudder to think what the TMB must be like in July and August. It will also mark a change in how we book our accommodation; up to now we had pre-booked, but from now on things should be quieter and we will phone ahead a day or two in advance.